By Neil Armstrong
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| Photo credit: Clifton Li. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University |
Three Jamaican-Canadians were among the 140 individuals appointed to Jamaica’s National Honours and Awards as the country celebrated its 64th anniversary of independence on August 6.
Philanthropist Donette Chin-Loy Chang has been appointed to the Order of Jamaica for her contribution to nation building in Jamaica and Canada through her philanthropic efforts.
Wes Hall was appointed to the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander for his contribution to nation building in Jamaica and Canada through his philanthropic efforts.
And, Karl Hale was appointed to the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer for his philanthropy and sports, in particular tennis.
For Chin-Loy Chang, this is a recognition of the work that she has done and the lives that she has touched, many of whom she does not know.
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the country of my birth,” she said, noting that, “No matter where in the world I go, I carry Jamaica in my heart.”
The philanthropist was quick to say that her appointment is dedicated to those who helped her, “all these people who have worked tirelessly because nobody ever does it by themself.”
Over a long time, Chin-Loy Chang has been touching the lives of many Jamaicans in multiple ways. At her alma mater, Immaculate Conception High School, she was instrumental in establishing a vehicle for the school to raise funds for scholarships – the Hall of Fame.
She has also supported other schools, and 18 years ago alongside her late husband, G. Raymond Chang, became the patron of the annual The University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Awards. He was appointed to the Order of Jamaica in 2011.
Chin-Loy Chang, who was invested into the Order of Ontario in June, was installed as the sixth chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University in October 2024.
She is sharing the Order of Jamaica with all the teams with whom she worked, her family, and she extended congratulations to all the other honourees.
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| Photo credit: York University Wes Hall, Chairman and Founder of WeShall Investments, at the Fall Convocation at York University where he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on October 12, 2023. |
Hall, chairman and founder of WeShall Investments, and the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto posted a message of gratitude on his LinkedIn and Facebook pages.
“Today is an important day on Jamaica’s calendar. It’s Independence Day. The day the island finally won its independence because of the gigantic effort of so many Jamaicans. On this day, under the National Honours and Awards Act, the country awards honours to its citizens that are instrumental in uplifting Jamaica and Jamaicans.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to share that I am among 140 Jamaicans receiving national honours. I have been awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander: one of the highest national honours the Government of Jamaica can bestow.”
Noting that the Commander of the Order of Distinction is the fifth highest national honour in the country awarded to Jamaican citizens who have rendered outstanding and important services to Jamaica, Hall said he was grateful.
“I have no words that feel adequate for this moment. I left Jamaica as a teenager with very little. A grandmother's voice constantly in my head. A belief that where I started was not where I was going to finish. I have not and will never forget where I came from. I never stopped trying to give back to the island that gave me everything before I had anything to give in return.
“This honour belongs to my grandmother first. And to every Jamaican who works diligently to uplift Jamaica and Jamaicans. I will cherish this for the rest of my life,” he wrote.
He noted that it was a privilege to carry this distinction.
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| Photo contributed Karl Hale, Founder and Chairman of Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation |
Hale is the founder and CEO of Premier Racquet Clubs, and also the director of the National Bank Open Toronto Tournament, one of the longest-running professional tennis tournaments in the world, which is currently taking place in Toronto and Montreal.
He is also the founder and chairman of Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF), a North America-based organisation seeking to improve the lives of the next generation of children, young adults and their communities by creating a world-class education system through investment in infrastructure, health, wellness and leadership.
Since 2006, it has built 27 new schools across Jamaica, completed two restorations projects on HHJF schools, supported over 60 additional projects including hurricane relief, provided access to education for over 15,000 students in Jamaica, and engaged hundreds of individuals to visit Jamaica “through voluntourism school builds.”
Hale credits the work of the HHJF team for his appointment to the national honours which will be presented at a ceremony at King’s House on October 19, National Heroes’ Day, in Jamaica.
“I’m honoured to receive this award, but it truly belongs to everyone who has been part of this journey, our board, partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters. Together, we’ve shown that when people come together with a shared purpose, we can make a lasting difference. I'm so grateful with all this support we have helped so many children," said Hale.
